contener

to contain, to hold back

k o n t e ˈn e ɾ
con with; together + tener to have
verb Uncommon #20,966
to contain, to hold back
SP: Intento contener la risa.
EN: I’m trying to hold back my laughter.
Conjugation of contener
Indicative present
SingularPlural
Third contiene contienen
Subjunctive present
SingularPlural
Third contiene contienen
contener
Indicative past
SingularPlural
Third contuvo —
Indicative imperfect
SingularPlural
First contenía —
Third contenía —
Subjunctive imperfect
SingularPlural
First contenía —
Third contenía —
Present

Esa caja es demasiado chica para contener todas estas cosas.

That box is too small to hold all these things.

La idea era utilizar al país como base para contener a los nazis.

The idea was to use the country as a base to contain the Nazis.

— Nuremberg: El Juicio Del Siglo (2025)

Él no pudo contener su cólera ni un segundo más.

He could not contain his anger for even a second longer.

Apenas me pude contener de vomitar.

I could barely stop myself from vomiting.

Su apariencia me hizo contener la respiración.

His appearance made me hold my breath.

Tom no podía contener su rabia.

Tom couldn't contain his anger.

Así logran contener la locura de los que comen.

This is how they manage to contain the madness of those who eat.

— La sociedad de la nieve (2023)

No puedo contener las ganas de comer carne cruda.

I can’t resist the urge to eat raw meat.

Dicen que no debes contener tus impulsos demasiado tiempo.

They say you shouldn't hold back your impulses for too long.

— Súper 30 (2019)

Sabes contener tu bebida.

You know how to hold your drink.

— La Casa de los Cuchillos (2004)

Contener.

Contain.

— Sin piedad (2026)

Jim fue capaz de contener su enojo.

Jim was able to contain his anger.

Tom no podía contener su sonrisa.

Tom couldn't contain his smile.

Tom no pudo contener su rabia.

Tom couldn't contain his anger.

Tom no fue capaz de contener su enfado.

Tom was unable to contain his anger.

A veces no puedo contener mis emociones.

Sometimes I can't contain my emotions.

No podía contener el caballo.

I couldn't hold the horse back.

No creo que sea capaz de contener mi ira por más tiempo.

I don't think I can contain my anger any longer.

Tuve que contener mi cólera en frente de él.

I had to control my anger in front of him.